Yep, Freak Out! is absolutely appropriate for a title. Absolutely experimental rock, but with so many feels of so many 60's bands you'd know and love. I'm sure you could listen 100 times and take something different from this.
I need to listen to this again. With drugs. Lots and lots of drugs.
An utter joy after 2 Iron Maiden albums. I knew this was his first post-Wailers album - and the important political message behind it (not just about cannabis). Not perfect, but essential listening.
I've never gone beyond Miss You (my regret) so was overjoyed to see this come up. And I loved Tracey Thorn's (unexpected) vocals & the songwriting of fellow #BarnetFC fan Ben Watt. I wish i'd listened to it 25 years ago, will revisit many times
Look I find the Byrds a particular level of melodic blandness where everything sounds the same. Always on 60's compilations, most interesting thing on this album is the appearance of Hugh Masekela Is this really a 1001 'best' album?
Classic early Beatles, full of short snappy Top 10 poppy hits. Enjoyed the tunes I wasn't familiar with - would listen again, wouldn't download. As ever with them, so many tunes you know without knowing the titles.
Wow - really good album, in fact the first Bob Dylan album where the majority of tracks havn't given me a migraine. Lovely bluesy tunes. Would recommend
I'm sorry Prog Rockers - not my thing. Yeh, it's well crafted, but no.
Great album - only knew a couple of the tracks - will definitely listen to again. Good for a hot Saturday morning listen
Obviously ground breaking, a classic. Incredible etc.. probably will never listen through again so I don't have to put up with tracks like Revolution 9
This is great! But it had to be with a title like that.. First album i've downloaded so far.
Thoroughly 'interesting' background music. Couldn't pick out a single track. Perhaps would improve with a second listen
Stunning, but we knew that already didn't we. I've obviously listened through the album in it's entirity a few times, but loved doing it again
Really hard to put into words for me - raw, unfiltered, angry yet polished with clarity. I think this album just feels 'significant' - can't believe it's nearly 30 years old.
I need to listen to this again. With drugs. Lots and lots of drugs.
So the first couple of tracks i'm like "wow this is the kind of lo-fi grunge I could have gone for when I was 14" but then it rapidly descends like they've run out of idea, money and hope with 'Fantastic Disaster' an absolute disaster.
Utter bubblegum. Finely tuned pop songs of the era. A sub 30 minute album like the good old days! Sprinkling of classics (Cathy's Clown, Love Hurts). Will never play again.
Not as bad as first anticipated - in fact - a lot of it is really quite good. Enjoyed reading up on the band, enjoyed the album - the epitome of "not my cup of tea" so a welcome diversion from my normal tunes.
Absolutely a classic album - who wouldn't want to listen to full Bowie album (answer - me - i'm not sure i've actually listened to anything that wasn't a greatest hits). Minimal 'hits' - i.e. Sound and Vision. It was challenging and fascinating. Look forward to the next Bowie album (must be a few more in the list!)
Who? What? How havn't I heard this before? Feels like the father of electronic, trip hop, electronic music rolled into one. Just awesome, like a downbeat, low key, non showoffy Mr Scruff.
Oh no, oh no. Just no* *Selected tracks coming to a Quentin Tarantino film soon Let's not talk about this again, thankfully a mere 32 minutes of my life I won't get back.
It's obviously got 2 absolute classics on (Passengers & Lust for Life) but loved hearing tracks i'm not so familiar with (Fall in love with me is a great track). What a star - what a unique voice
Really enjoyed this - it was great to hear what an amazing voice she had and hear it on tracks I hadn't heard before - album would have been a revelation back then, so much so my least favourite track was Nothing Compares 2 You (as heard so often)
Cannot lie - really got into it - great instrumentalist, but by the end was desperate for it to finish
Oh I know some Blondie. Oh, I know lots of Blondie. Oh, actually they are REALLY good. What an album. Would give 4.5. Listened through twice, will listen again many times. This is what albums are for. Could also be a Best Of album!
OK, from 10 seconds in you're thinking 'this is a concept album'. Really needs heavy focus and listening. There is a lot going on, and need to revisit and reassess. Not sure if i'm been harsh or overly generous.
OK, it wasn't the noise overload I expected, no paracetemol needed, and I recognise the talent, but my brains just not wired to enjoy this, sorry.
Oh god not another one. I recognise singles this time. But 2 Iron Maiden albums on the trot man, hard life
An utter joy after 2 Iron Maiden albums. I knew this was his first post-Wailers album - and the important political message behind it (not just about cannabis). Not perfect, but essential listening.
Oh, grunge. I knew the band name - knew the era, but not the style or the quality. Now I do.
A 2017 album supposedly in top 1001 ever made & i've never heard of it? Oh no, not more dull R&B. So I thought at first. But I listened & listened again. Big electronic/cross genre. It's really very good & well produced.
So everyone knows 1 Dexy's song (I know 3!) - and this features Geno one of the greatest get up and dance songs ever. So happy to listen to an entire album, might feel 'samey', but an absolute joy.
I'm so sorry, it's impossible to get any enjoyment out of this. Don't take this personally Brazilian Death Metal Heads.
Couldn't face Sepultra for my early dog walk so jumped to next album - Frank! I know loads of Sinatra, but an entire album? Nope. This felt like a Xmas album. It was lovely-like being stroked by a hot chocolate with Baileys.
Unmistakably Costello, lovely album (I do like his voice though!) - some great tracks on without any massive hits. Surprised that Shabby Doll is the least listened to track on the album (according to Spotify).
Love this - know some of Billie Bragg's music but not Wilco's - so found this a great collaboration - more country/bluesy than anticipated (i.e. Hoodoo Voodoo) - on my 3rd listen now!
I'm refusing to mark this down because of Candle in the Wind despite every desire to do so (a particular bugbear since Di Died on my 21st birthday). Can we accept that this is a great album? 4/5
Well, having never owned a Beatles album, surprised myself by giving this 5/5 - but it's got Come Together (could be 1 year old never mind 50), Golden Slumbers and loads of great tracks i'm not familiar with like Maxwell's Golden Hammer. Plus I live near Abbey Road so
OK, I was expecting the worst, but actually I liked this. A lot. More Led Zeppelin / Blues Rock than I was expecting, catchy tunes - and out less than a year Abbey Road which i'd just finished - amazing comparison of the era. Solid.
To use their own song titles to cover this: To Hell and Back (except I didn't come back), (I'd rather be) Buried Alive, Leave Me in Hell (or at least somewhere this isn't playing), (This is a) Nightmare.
Never heard him before, but was at a concert Richard Hawley headlined this summer - missed him against my wishes, so chuffed to see this pop up. A lovely, rockabilly, non-ironic album. It's great this.
We're all Springsteen fans right? We all know his hits. We all know how amazing he is. But have we ever listened to one of his albums? I hadn't. But chose a cold, windy dog walk to listen, and it hit all the right spots. Amazeballs.
Another band I was unfamiliar with - surprised me considering the genre - real vibes of everyone from Black Keys to Kaleo to Leon Bridges - but all a bit meh, but interesting enough i'll search out their other music.
I don't know why I didn't listen much to this - I think it's because I didn't like Eels fans much. But some truly ironic mid-90's tracks like Novacaine For The Soul. Angst ridden, iconic, etc etc... Enjoyed!
Is this one of the funkiest albums ever made? Is 7-Up?
Apparently this is the most highly rates album by the Beatles in solo form - probably as many of the tracks are 'Beatles' tracks. And a couple of great tracks on there. The back story to the making of the album in Nigeria is fascinating though - worth a google!
I've spent ages relistening to this to get a handle on it - it's an access drug to punk with a fascinating back story - read up on them. Album named by Jane Suck who's disappeared, band lasted only 3 years - but delivered so much
Of course I recognise the genius of For What It's Worth but I knew little else from BS. And what a revelation this was didn't expect such a wide variation of styles whilst still epitomising mid-60's music.
I've never gone beyond Miss You (my regret) so was overjoyed to see this come up. And I loved Tracey Thorn's (unexpected) vocals & the songwriting of fellow #BarnetFC fan Ben Watt. I wish i'd listened to it 25 years ago, will revisit many times
The album that spawned 'Smoke on the Water' - written after the casino the the album was to be recorded in burnt down during a Frank Zappa concert! Great British rock - tinged with no many genres. Fab.
I'd never been part of the Morrissey bandwagon, but of course his music is inescapable and his voice so unique. A good, but forgetable album that you listen to without any stand out tracks. Pleasant.
How do you follow up 'Born to Run'? Well, like this. Wasn't the same commercial success, but you feel he wanted something rawer (apparently 70 songs recorded reduce to 10). Liquid late 70's post-industrial American.
I knew this album as my dad was a fan - and love the opening track 'Visions of You' - it's amazing and you think you are on the verge of greatness, but sadly doesn't rise to such peaks again, still a great album
CCR are incredible. This started like a Greatest Hits album, but dropped marks for 2 awful instrumentals at the end. Then realised they aren't on the original album which climaxes with 'Night Time is the Right Time' (only on the Spotify album I linked to). They are pop/swamp/rock geniuses
Now, i'm not the worst middle aged white guy to review Mr Dre's '92 groundbreaking, raw and significant album, but this was awesome, and bonus point for heavy sampling of P-Funk. I ain't going to be singing along aloud though.
Tough to categorise - Talking Heads meets techno? Even alternative U2, elements of Travis, mainstream yet.. not. Yet I really like it - definitely will explore more, yet I know I know them, just can't put my finger on it...
There's probably a reason why the best The Police album is one of their Best Of - as they produce some stunning pop tunes, and some dirge as this album shows. 2nd half of this album 5/5, 1st half 3/5
Like so many albums of this era, it's got some bangers (❤️Head over Heals), tracks that made 31 on #TOTP and some absolute fillers. But definitely very polished and great singalong material.
I have an unconscious bias against the Pet Shop Boys - every track sounds the same. Not dull or bad, but i've listened through this album twice now and didn't even notice it was on. Couldn't differentiate between this and any other Pet Shop Boys album.
I remember when I was about 8 buying an album by Extreme on the basis of catchy 'More than words' to realise they were actually a big shouty band. Which is also Incubus. Some quieter melodic numbers surrounded by noise.
The American Stereophonics. Some great tracks (I mean, Last Nite) and some fillers.
Yep, Freak Out! is absolutely appropriate for a title. Absolutely experimental rock, but with so many feels of so many 60's bands you'd know and love. I'm sure you could listen 100 times and take something different from this.
I'd left this for when I could listen through & read up on 2Pac's life. You can sense the real introspection in this - talent shines through in every track. But now i've done that, i'll probably never listen again, so that says everything.
I suppose this is the line where this becomes a personal project. I just find Joy Division so bland and samey... I love unique sound and recognise the talent, but that doesn't mean I want to listen to it (again).
Who? What? Wiki says it's "Rooted in experimentation, the album largely features unconventional percussion." Yeh, hard to put a finger on, interesting and different and not unenjoyable.
So this is how they rocked before I was born eh? Well, went into this with all kind of biases (blame Love in an Elevator for that) but this is a great album, full of actual rock music rather than screaming anthems. Top stuff.
Unexpectedly gleeful! Always took Adam Ant to be a punk-Shakey Stevens, bit of a joke band. But he's not - this is some seriously good pop-punk. Not surprised was the Brit Award Best Album.
So this starts off polished punk. Then bluesy. Then - wow - Led Zeppelin, a bit 'Doors'y - and i'm taking this in wide eyed. This is amazing. This is why I'm doing this - to be introduced to great music I'm not familiar with. As someone else said "the magnitude of discovering The Gun Club cannot be understated" and it could well be my words. Thank you!
No? Me neither. Turns out they were a 60's American band living in Germany for the freedom of escaping the restrictions of finely tuned pop. And they succeeded. Albeit at the cost of producing anything you can listen to more than once.
Ah, here was Van the Man at the top of his game. Such finely skilled songs such as And It Stoned Me & Moondance, such a unique voice, such a talent. But even then, back in 1970, as a man, I bet he was still a bit of a tit.
This feels like the follow up to Murph and the Musicians playing the Holiday Inn in the Blues Brothers. Just didn't hook me with anything...
Do I know how important this album was at the time? Yes. A couple of the tracks absolutely banged. Has the album aged well? Oh hell no. It's like being nostalgic for a Nokia 3410, great memories, but you don't want to own one now.
Well, I love Dreadlock Holiday & I'm not in Love (who doesn't) - but know nothing else. And to be honest I expected more. Feels very bland musically & lyrically. 1001 Greatest Albums? Really? How?
Ah this has some great pop songs on - always loved 'Best Friends Girls' and some of the other tracks. Not consistent enough across all songs to be brilliant, but really enjoyed the album.
Had a few listens now as it's very much an 'album' rather than collection of a few standout tracks. Did enjoy - constantly revising who they remind me (Ooh just like - Verve, ooh U2, ooh Muse etc). Looking forward to hearing more of them
This is the album i've spent longest considering. What is it? Punk meets Richard Branson. Angry, noisy and a hard hard listen. You know it's an important album, and yet you need your ears to have a break.
But of a weird one this - not a commercial or critical success either in 1969 or subsequently so not sure who would authorise it's admittance! No big hits a la Buffalo Springfield or Little Feat. Very basic Byrds, bang average.
The album that gave us (the cover of) Tainted Love - a sound of 1981 wrapped in tense, edgy synth tunes. All blatently on a budget - enjoy the video for 'Sex Dwarf' - whilst enjoying the lyrics! Fun, but that was my last listen
Ah look, this is an absolute classic album for so many reasons. Can I deduct a star because Eric Clapton? Nah. Are there better tracks than Layla on this? Yup.
So this album sits in a box with so many other Uni bought CD's, memories of 4am plays, and melancholic regrets about girlfriends I never had. Musically, hasn't aged that badly, it's full of lovely, well written catchy tunes.
I could read around this and the music of the era for days. But just listening to this purely for the music it's clear, crisp, and interesting: in small doses. The entire album in one sitting is tough - borderline dull.
One of the great live albums of all time - and yet they sat on it for 20 years before releasing it?!? Madness. What a voice, what a man, what an album. I'd have given everything to be in the audience. Bliss.
Gentle plinky plonk British 90's pretentiousness. Perfectly lovely way to pass an hour. Had to pass another hour as each tune had completely passed me by. Will I listen again? Pass.
Quite an ahead-of-it's-time grungy album. Less poppy, fewer hits, quite pleasant.
Shouty shouty music. Yeh I get the anger and melody and appreciate it, but won't appreciate again. Would have been right at the right time and place (20 years ago)
#79 - The Jam - All Mod Cons Apparently this album catapulted Paul Weller into the consciousness of the UK. Despite not having any major hits it's got bite, anger, class issues and is a great listen. This is how I imagine London in 1978 (sorry Woking).
Look I find the Byrds a particular level of melodic blandness where everything sounds the same. Always on 60's compilations, most interesting thing on this album is the appearance of Hugh Masekela Is this really a 1001 'best' album?
This is pleasant plinky plonk pop but utterly devoid of anything that stands out. I know they are an American band, but it's like listening to bottled Shoreditch at times. Temecula Sunrise is basically 20 songs they didn't know what to do with.
Mistakenly listened to 2 hr version with outtakes. Relistened. Yeh, this is definitely Blur, just without any jaunty hits. I was never big into them - but interesting to hear the 'pre going massive' album. Decent.
How do I review this without offending all the cool cats? I found The Smiths whiny when surrounded by their music in Manchester as a kid. Now i've had a break, I can appreciate it more.
Pet Shop Boys is electro-synth-pop music for unhappy people right? The ones with forced smiles at their own weddings. And this is genuinely unoffensive catchy unhappy music. Where's the joy?
OK, i'm biased. I hate ABBA. There, I said it. And I went into it negatively. But - this is their 'grown up no massive hits break up album'. And do you know what? It's actually OK.
I listened to this 8 times yesterday, and will do so again today. This is like the jazz album you wanted to discover to help you get a better understanding. Backstory is amazing, it's just incredible brass free jazz.
I had a depressed housemate that loved Nick Cave, I always found his voice drab & harsh. But it's good to revisit - he's a songwriter and a half. 'Into My Arms' is amazing. An entire album of his voice is challenging though.
So of all the albums/genres i'm discovering and loving for the first time, i've realised most are punk-rock. Raw, dance-indie - this is now downloaded as an instant pick me up on the bleakest of days.
It took me (and the music press) a while to truly appreciate what an album this was. I've never owned it, but i've sung along to every song, danced (drunkedly) to many. For my generation, it's so important - even critical.
Good album for the background enabling you to focus on your work without having to be drawn into melodies or your head turned by music. Feels quite satisying - like you know this album is making someone somewhere happy.
Experimental glam rock, yet detailed and polished, and it hit the heady heights of 26 in the album charts at some point in 1973, and that's what it is, a minor hit for a minority. Why would I listen to this again?
I never knew this sold poorly in the US - and took off here - hell, I had the cassette. To quote Kerrang "rock is at last being wrestled from the hands of the bland, the weak, the jaded, the tired, the worn". Yeh, rock on 🤘
It's so good to deep dive into the tracks that you don't know. This is the 'dive into commerciality' album - more pop-rock than blues-rock, but it's awesome. Loses 1 star for 'Paint it Black' being on the US release - NOT this UK one. Tune
So i'd listened to this when it came up a couple of months ago and forgot to rank it. That's because it's quite forgettable. So i've re-listened to it. It's how i'd imagine a soundtrack to East Germany (done by a 1981 English band).
The first (only?) artist on @1001_albums_gen i'd met and being a Camdenite of course know Frank inside out. And what an incredible voice Amy had. I know there is idolisation of stars that die too early - but not here, what a huge, massive loss.
Definitely my favourite xmas album produced by a convicted murderer.
Ah man, i've got to make notes as I listen rather than a week later, so I've re-listened. This is industrial, alternative hip hop, with some great samples. Very well produced, with interesting themes.
So this is where it started then? Fabulous, unique. However, I still have a preference for the bluesy slide of tracks like 'I can't quit you baby' - but judging by the Spotify Plays - i'm in a minority!
Ah man, always happy to see Bob's name pop up, I know i'll love the music, and listen to the album on repeat as I discover so many great album tracks. Loses 1 point as I realised how much greater the live track of No Woman No Cry is. Still genius.
Willie the Pimp is the only track i've got time for on this, oddly the only track with vocals, or Captain Beafheart. Don't come for me the Zappa-army.
Ah, the eponymous debut album. Why do artists do it? But, that aside, this is something else - a "sonic blueprint" apparently - I get that. Musically tight, historically important. And thankfully, no 'Insane in the membrane'. It's very good. For 1991.
Was happy to see this pop up - as I know the name so well, but not the music. But, it was just well produced bland rock. Nothing stood out - apart from overuse of 'Jane' and swearing. Unremarkable.
Wow - this is the era and style I love - but why don't I know Shuggie Otis - it's hardly a forgettable name. But then pop on Strawberry Letter 23 and it's 'ohhhhh'. Lovely, warm, cuddly.
Ah, the comedy/bro-hip hop genre hits my inbox, and I don't mind it to be honest (love a bit of Pharcyde). It was different for the time & catchy, but let's not forget the band wanted the album to be called "Don't Be a Faggot"
*Makes myself unpopular* With prog rock I just have this overwhelming sense the musos are trying to be clever, and the fans have a smug belief in their own cleverness, and yet I just don't enjoy it, not even 'Tom Sawyer'. Insert new synthesiser sound here.
Just what I needed on a bright Sunday morning - 14 hard core punk tracks totalling 15 minutes, so quite bearable, like 1 shot of tequila to perk you up. It's like they couldn't be arsed to extend 14 hooks into 4 minutes songs, so listenable! 4/5
I have so many questions. I assume there was Scott 1, 2 & 3 albums - or was Scott 1 just Scott or did he assume success & follow up albums? And why does every song sound like it was made for a Spaghetti Western? And who would think "this is one of the greatest albums of all time" under any circumstance, even if they like it? Which, oddly I do. When the sun is out, and no-one is around I could quite imagine myself blasting this out and singing along to it with a large whisk(e)y. 3.5/5
It's the air of depression made with a mellotron, flugelhorns, female whistling, tettix wave accumulator, chamberlin strings, yeh you get my point. A formulaic attempt to get 5/5 from NME.
Yep - we all love a bit of Jump - it's iconic But the rest of this now... just feels tired Like it was made in 1984 I suppose...
Another band that had passed me by; another post-punk/rock band - that at times absolutely blew me away (loved the title track) - has a real 1970's authentic hiss & rawness. Not great - certainly not all the way through but a great discovery
Finally but the bullet after 10 days (couldn't face Armenian-American thrash metal). But you know what? Took it out for a walk with dampened earphones. It's not bad - some musical talent, and small familiar snippets (clips felt like XTC or Split Enz!). Unusual, not unbareable. No headache recorded.
One of the best things about @1001_albums_gen is reading the backstory of the albums - because this is a fabulous, non-covers debut album i'd never heard. They locked themselves away for a year learning instruments to play - and it's fab!
OK, i've had this on the backburner for days now, listening & relistening. I still don't know whether I like, whether it is good or great, or polished or raw. I just don't know. Honestly cannot rate fairly. Real conundrum. Is that the point?
It's got a Start, and an End. Perfect album material. Musically it's pleasant, but a little bland r'n'b isn't going to get me too excited
Look it's lots of gooky american rockers targetting students by shouting and occasionally adding melodic riffs and shouting some more and look at this album cover!
I just don't know if I knew far less about music than I thought, or this 'challenge' goes out of it's way to pick more obscure bands. But these guys shouldn't be - early 80's raw punk tinged rock - so why aren't 'X' as big as they should be?
Afro-Cuban Latin Jazz. Oof. Style, panache, and now added to my collection.
This was the first jazz album to sell a million copies you know, and Take Five even made the singles pop charts.. It's great. In the background. But just lacks a little, you know, something. Important, but not significant.
So it turned out I'm the only person of my age who didn't know what the 'Shoegaze' genre of music was (Creation Records Bread & Butter). Well this is it. A tedious blending of instruments and music, so all tracks sound identikit & mortifyingly dull.
Aww man. What a band. What an album. And the best of them. Jim Morrison's last. Stripped back rock blues, with just an amazing set of songs. I just listen to Riders on the Storm and visualise great things. This album transports me away somewhere special
So they knew - they released the album knowing their only covered song would be their huge hit. Not one of the folk-pop tracks they wrote themselves that fills the rest of the album that blurs into 1. They knew. Dull
Relevant as used to see Dave Stewart a lot in Harringay Arms in Crouch End neighbours want to shut due to noise (the NIMBY morons). It's a great breakthrough album, little filler and Annie Lennox's voice is iconic
I knew exactly what this was going to sound like, and I wasn't disappointed. Well, actually I was very disappointed because I just find Metallica disappointing. A disappointing 1/5
Ah, what a voice, what power & what energy. I love so much of her early music. But this huge album surprised me with how much of it felt tired and aged. It's more a reflection on power ballads than Tina though.
I've left this review for a while ago I have to keep listening to it again. Ah, memories abound.
Was hopeful with this - backstory read like a 'alt-folk-rock band' i'd like. But it's just so utterly forgettable. I should have guessed when that much effort goes into the band name.
Ah Justine Frischmann, how you were everyone's secret crush. And how Elastica kind of sprung out of an era with a different sound and it still doesn't sound aged, which is lovely. It was never great music, but who doesn't love Connection?
Absolutely chirpin'. 26 minutes of unbridled 50's American joy. Imagine knocking off That'll be the day and Oh boy in your debut album, sensational stuff.
I'd spent years studying Alan Lomax so to hear his recordings sampled by Moby and become a humongous album cheered me enormously - bringing so much good music to the electronica pretentiously inclined. And it was an amazing album in too many ways to list.
Look, I loved Weller well before the masses searched him out due to Oasis + Stanley Rd radio airplay. This has one of my favourite tracks on - and is just glorious to listen to from start to finish. Not a masterpiece, but in many ways perfect
At first listen i'm like 'what's this, loads of 60's white boys covering tracks' but oh my - the energy that goes into this. Forerunner of punk / grunge, used in a many a tv advert - very little original material - but The Witch is just disconcerting.
Their debut album that gave us Free Bird and a load of great rock tracks. They sound like they are having a lot of fun. Didn't realise half the band wiped out in a plane crash en-route to play at my alma mater LSU
Ah, Rod. This would be pub-faire blues rock without his standout rawkish voice. Album was never a success but it did give us "Stay with me" which in immense. An enjoyable 35 minutes.
Bowie moving away from glam rock towards a more soul/r 'n' b sound and giving us Fame & Young Americans. It's not perfect, hell, as an album it's not even that great. But I get it's inclusion.
US College White Bro-Rock Let's just call it 'Brock' as it's mainly listened to by Frat Bros called Brock. It was called 'trailer trash triumph'. The only question I have is - why would you do this to me?
So this was their 2nd album eh? What can you say about the Beatles ever that hasn't been said already? Nothing, so we'll leave it there shall we?
Funky title, funky band. A bit special really. Bet deep down Blur would have swapped everything they ever did to have released something this original.
It's like pleasant and everything, but I've run it in the background 3 times without really paying attention and it's not made me focus at any point. Not really a top 1001 album ever is it?
Another band I knew by name only. But on a long, blustery train journey, this just hit all the right notes. A proper mood album. Lovely. Will be saving the album.
NME called it ""a magnificent, life-affirming opus". I prefer "a fun jaunt".
Oh it's a rock band. Not what I was expecting at all. Some decent funky bass and probably decent commercial sales. Next.
Really enjoyed having the Specials come up (again) - such unique sound, commentary of the era and taking in their unique musical talent. Very specials.
Ah, this is what The Stranglers were about. Good honest semi punk rock. And bonus point for no 'Golden Brown', the worst single ever released?
Ah, melodies, oh, another melody, aah, Marakesh Express, oh, more melodies, I wonder if? Ah yes, a melody. Is it heretical to say the world would have lost nothing if this has been released as an EP?
Ooh 'Nina Simone' on seeing this come up became very 'oh wow' when you stop and take on tunes like 'Four Women'. She's truly unique, and truly special.
Feels very much like a modern day Lauryn Hill insofar as it's concept. Really good, but not perfect. And as I discovered, NSFW.
The backstory to this album is amazing - every track every instrument is Dave Grohl, and he tried to keep that secret which is peak Dave Grohl. Bonus star for being 100% Dave Grohl, loses a star as I'm afraid I'm not a grunge fan. Sorry Dave.
Was dreading an hour of Abba, but plonked it on when working and to be honest it was just like listening Radio 2 In short, whatever is the opposite to lifechanging.
I think i've never really listened to this as my mum was a huge fan. But WOW. What a song writer. So much we know and love - she wrote (You Make Me Feel Like A) Natural Woman? Really? Just incredible.
Ah look, I know this is good. I've played it through 5 times now. It's just... Pretty indistinguishable. Every track. Just a decent 4/5 track. Over and over again. Consistent.
I do love Bonnie Raitt, just more of her real blues sound. Appreciate how she needed this commercially, just a little toned down for me and feels very 1980's
It's taken a while to get used to Neil's voice (I'm sorry Bob, I'll never get used to yours) and now I have there is no doubting the genius of this album, even if I had told find a new music streaming service to listen to it.
Love the album cover for some reason... And hey, it's pretty good roots, blues, souly country AND western. Generous 4/5
A Bob Dylan album that doesn't give me a migraine - amazing! Yes he's an amazing songwriter, but boy, does his voice grate. But not this...fab!
Had to get a free trial with Apple Music to listen to this. And very glad I did. Fascinating, almost 'concept' album bordering soul and psychadelia. Definitely caused me to re-evaluate The Temptations, and for the better
Ok I've had this saved for a couple of weeks. I can't categorise it, but why should I? Get Richard Hawley vibes one day, Jarvis Cocker the next. Ok, it's not an platinum best seller classic, but I REALLY like this.
I can only relisten to an album so many times trying to work out if I like it. Sorry Elliott you've had multiple chances now.
Oh yeh. Having seen her at Wembley despite not thinking I knew any of her toons, can rightly said Taylor is a legend. Album.
This sounds more like Depeche Mode than Depeche Mode does. Appreciated listening to an album so I could appreciate the musical talent, but it's a bit one dimensional
Oh did I feel all 1990's dancing in the morning spring sun to this. Hadn't listened to the album for 20+ years so needed reminding Sheryl is far more than a one hit wonder. Some great tunes here.
Ah, Blister in the Sun. Tooon. Gruff vocals. Anti establishment growling. Rinse and repeat.
Oh this is interesting stuff. Stevie Winwood does English folk with funk, blues, jazz, not blended all together but bit by bit. Freedom Fighter is a great track. I'm sure the album comes under 'let's pretend this influenced me' by modern pretentious musicians. Good listen though.
"Oh, your baby has gone down the plug hole Oh, your baby has gone down the plug The poor little thing was so skinny and thin He should have been washed in a jug... ............. in a jug"
Oddly the poorest track imo is You Are The Sunshine Of My Life, but the rest of the album is just indubitably excellent. Superstition. What a track. What an album. What a man
Scottish? Success in US but not here? Once again, the American's surprise me.
Ah Ziggy. Imagine knowing the hits from the album but not knowing the joys of Moonahe Daydream screaming into your earlugs. Perfect justification for why albums are greater than greatest hits
Listened all the way through one sunny morning. Electronica that gets you and about if you're in that kind of a mood. Trouble is I havn't been since, so it gets resigned to history with a 'yeh, was alright'
10 covers. I can see why it was a commercial success. I'm happy for everyone that loves it. But it ain't quite me.
Good backstory around the album being made. Solid 80's synth pop. Nothing overly memorable.
What the fuck is this? It's fucking brilliant that's what it is. Why have I never heard this. That's on me really.
My re-appraisal of Thriller: Bang average album brought up by Beat It and Billie Jean. Thriller is just background noise to an expensive video, and The Girl is Mine is one of the worst songs ever made. 3/5
So Krautrock. Damo Suzuki. All these things I know by name but not aurally. It's definitely not prog rock, I mean it can't be as I enjoyed it, nay, was really taken aback. A real wowsers album.
Spiritual. If you're in the right frame of mind, hard to describe it as anything else.
Thank God I've still got the free Apple Music trial.. What an album, what a supergroup. Our House, Helpless, so much stunning writing. And yes Neil Young's stays just on the right side of 'grating'.
Steely Dan is so samey, can go through an album without blinking. But I love that one track that they play for 35 minutes, album after album after album (actually Rikki Don't Lose That Number irritates me, but the rest of the album I didn't know is fabulously crafted).
Excellent. Makes me wish I was a stoner.
Imagine have the soul to sing 'Cry to Me' with the power and emotion of Solomon Burke. Almost makes me feel like an inferior human being. Sadly his 'prodigious output' means it's a mixed bag of an album, he was probably already writing his next album 10 minutes after releasing this one.
All hope has gone. It's not a euphemism. I'm not sure who is more disappointed, those who want the mental start throughout or those that discover the more laid-back tunes later. Unpleasant either way tbh. Just give me some music.
Ok I'm not a huge Queen fan, but only because I've heard the hits to death. But this only Killer Queen, my fave on, and loads I havn't heard. And it's great, polished glam rock. Joyful.
Ah, I love a bit of Yardbirds but this just isn't a great album - feels - monotone
21. 2+1 = 3. That'll do. Don't want to expand on that or I'll be torn to shreds.
Ah. Good background soulful instrumentals. Oddly I'm tired of Green Onions by now. Feels harsh giving a 3 but it's a reminder I don't need to listen to the album again despite it being Booker T
Such a great band, musical genius. Incredible album to sit and listen to what is going on with each track, harder if you are just taking in if it's background music
Hated acid house at the time, mainly because all the big kids dressed in weird ghastly coloured shell suits knocking off tabs whilst gurning and dancing crazy style in fields and warehouses. In retrospect, quite an album.
Legendary album by a legend. Bit confused by some of the editing, but did this leave me blue? Hell no.
"a perfect aural aid to digestion when you're having guests over for dinner" Said Rolling Stone. Yup, that.
Oh Bjork, how utterly lovely, cute, adorable, challenging, and sometime's utterly frustrating to listen to you are.
Not gonna lie, grunge is one genre that will never grow in me, so let's just call it a day there ok?
Just droning. Maybe I'm not on enough drugs.
So this is where they started? Nothing I recognise, nothing I especially like or dislike. Can see it for it's relevance. Will never listen to again.
Do you have to British and of a certain age for this to really make sense? It's full of angst and relevance. Come on now kids of the 90's..."don't leave me high"
Absolute joy. How does it rate in the grand scheme of things? No idea. But loved it!
Yeh, something else. 32 years old my arse. Still so fresh.
It's a story. It's a well crafted story of education, hope and despair. And it needs to be listened to as an album rather than one track on a playlist. Hell, the whole album should be passed off as one track
Ok Waterfalls is a seriously good track, but we knew that. Rest of the album is 'ok'
Angry, almost toxic album that screams '1979'. They finished it in a day, took me a little longer.
So much musical talent, it's just taken me a long time to get there.
Well this was a lovely surprise. A few tracks I knew (not by name) and it feels surprisingly fresh. A lovely summer album.
Top 10 greatest albums of all time. I attribute so much importance to this album on different levels. But from a purely musical point of view it's simply transcends pretty much everything out there. Essential? Yup.